US8348453B2

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Info

Publication number: US8348453B2
Application number: US12/538,777
Authority: US
Inventors: Holly S. Cumberland; Todd Cumberland
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-08-10
Filing date: 2009-08-10
Publication date: 2013-01-08
Also published as: US20110032695A1

Abstract

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

None.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

None.

REFERENCE TO A “SEQUENCE LISTING”

None.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a solar powered light and more particularly to a solar powered light for providing an alternative or additional light source in a light fixture.

2. Description of Related Art

Over recent years, there has been volatility in the price of electricity. In addition to price volatility, the use of certain fuels has been found to be harmful to the environment. For example, when electricity is generated from coal, large amounts of carbon dioxide are emitted into the environment, which contributes to poor air quality and global warming. As a result, many are interested in using alternative energy sources which are less expensive and more environmentally friendly. One type of alternative energy source that is becoming increasingly popular is solar power. Solar power is a renewable power source that produces power at a fuel cost of zero and can be used in a variety of settings, including but not limited to residential, municipal and commercial property settings.

A problem with solar power, however, is that there is a significant upfront cost associated with obtaining the equipment and components necessary to utilize a solar power system. Thus, although many individuals are interested in utilizing solar power, the upfront expense of switching from the electric power grid to solar power is prohibitively expensive.

What is needed then is a solar powered light that can be integrated with or attached to light fixtures connected to the electric grid.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Certain embodiments of the present invention are directed to a solar powered light for providing an additional or alternative lighting source in a light fixture and provide one or more benefits and advantages not previously offered in the art, including but not limited to a solar powered light that can be added to an existing light fixture. Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides a solar powered lighting option to individuals that do not want to make the initial investment of transferring from the electric grid to solar power. Further, the present invention includes a light fixture having lights powered from multiple power sources.

In one configuration, the present invention comprises a light assembly comprising a globe having a lighting element powered by the electric grid and a solar powered lighting element. A solar panel is coupled to the solar powered lighting element and collects light to generate power for the solar powered lighting element. A rechargeable power source is coupled to the solar panel and the solar powered lighting element for storing the power generated by the solar panel and powering the solar powered lighting element. The present invention can include a sensor for detecting an ambient light level. The solar powered lighting element is then activated when the ambient light level is below a desired ambient light level. The present invention can also include an additional sensor for detecting output levels of the solar powered lighting element. The lighting element powered by the electric grid is then activated when the output level of the solar powered lighting element is below a desired output level and when the ambient light level is below a desired ambient light level.

The present invention also includes a method of retrofitting a light fixture with a solar powered light comprising attaching a solar powered lighting element to a globe of a light fixture, the light fixture having at least one lighting element connected to an electrical grid power source. Light is collected with a solar panel coupled to the solar powered lighting element and power is generated from the collected sun light. The power generated from the sun light is stored with a rechargeable power source. The ambient light level may be sensed by a sensor and the solar powered lighting element may be illuminated with the power from the rechargeable power source when an ambient light level is lower than a pre-determined ambient light level.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

The foregoing features of this invention, as well as the invention itself, may be more fully understood from the following description of the drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a light fixture having an electrical grid powered light and a solar powered light coupled to a solar panel mounted to a separate structure.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the light fixture having an electrical grid powered light and a solar powered light coupled to a solar panel mounted to the light fixture.

FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of the light fixture showing an electrical grid powered light and a solar powered light.

FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of the light fixture which is capable of being mounted to an electrical grid power source.

FIG. 5 is a bottom perspective view of the light fixture showing an electrical grid powered light, a solar powered light, and an additional solar panel positioned to collect light from the electrical grid powered light.

FIG. 6 is perspective view of a free standing light fixture showing an electrical grid powered light and a solar powered light.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a free standing light showing an electrical grid powered light, a solar powered light and an additional solar panel positioned to collect light from the electrical grid powered light.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary control circuit for controlling the operation of the various components of an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 9 is a flow diagram depicting an embodiment of a method of retrofitting a light fixture with a solar powered light.

FIG. 10 is a continuation of the flow diagram ofFIG. 9 depicting an embodiment of a method of retrofitting a light fixture with a solar powered light.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

At the outset, it should be appreciated that like drawing numbers on different drawing views identify identical structural elements of the invention. While the present invention is described with respect to what is presently considered to be the preferred embodiment, it is understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiment.

Furthermore, it is understood that the invention is not limited to the particular methodology, materials, and modifications described and as such may vary. It is also understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular elements only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, which is limited only by the appended claims.

Referring to the Figures,FIGS. 1-5 show alight fixture10 having ahousing12, aglobe14, andlighting element16 disposed within theglobe14. Thelight fixture10 is connected to an electricgrid power source18. Thelight fixture10 further includes a solar poweredlighting element20 disposed within theglobe14 and connected to a solar power source. That is,lighting element20 is connected to asolar panel22 and to arechargeable power source24 as discussed in further detail below. The solar poweredlighting element20 provides an alternative or additional lighting source to thelighting element16 in thelight fixture10. Asensor26 is connected to the solar poweredlighting element20 to detect the ambient light levels and activates the solar poweredlighting element20 when the ambient light levels are below a certain desired level. In one configuration, asecond sensor28 is connected to thelighting element16 and activates thelighting element16 when the ambient light level is below the desired level and when the solar poweredlighting element20 is lower than a desired minimum light output level.

Thelight fixture10 can be any type of configuration wherein alighting element16 is contained within aglobe14. Byglobe14, it is meant that the light fixture includes a portion that at least partially covers thelighting element16 and is coupled to a single electric grid power source. For example, theglobe14 may be any type of shade, jar, can, diffuser, or any other type of glass, plastic, metal light housing that is coupled to a single electric grid power source. In one configuration, thelight fixture10 is an outdoor light for residential, municipal, or commercial purposes. For example, the light fixture may be an outdoor porch light, recreational light, or free standing light. Alternatively, thelight fixture10 can be located within a naturally-lit indoor area. Typically, the electrical grid poweredlight fixture10 is connected to the electrical grid by wires to receive power. The electrical grid poweredlighting element16 can be operated by a switch, for example, a wall switch, to turn thelighting element16 on and off. Thelighting element16 is preferably an incandescent light, fluorescent light, including but not limited to compact fluorescent lights and linear fluorescent lights, high intensity discharge lights, halogen light, or light emitting diode (LED) light. It should be appreciated by those having ordinary skill in the art that thelighting element16 may include just one light bulb or a plurality of light bulbs.

As shown in the figures, thelighting element20 is preferably a solar powered light that is self-powered by thesolar panel22. Thesolar panel22 comprises a plurality of electrically connected photovoltaic cells. A plurality ofsolar panels22 can also be used. Thesolar panel22 can be mounted proximate to the light fixture, for example on the building structure itself, as shown inFIG. 1. In another configuration, as shown inFIG. 2, thesolar panel22 is contained within ahousing12 of thelight fixture10. It should be appreciated by those having ordinary skill in the art that additional solar panels can be used and these modifications are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed. For example, as shown inFIG. 5, an additionalsolar panel22 can be mounted within theglobe14 to collect light from thelighting element16 powered by the electrical grid. Thus, if thelighting element16 is illuminated by power from the electric grid, solar power can be generated from thelighting element16.

Therechargeable power source24 is preferably one or more rechargeable batteries of a conventional design, which are capable of storing power that is generated by thesolar panel22 so that it can be used at a later time to power thelighting element20. Thelighting element20 is preferably an LED since LED lights are energy efficient and long lasting. However, other types of light elements can be used including, but not limited to, incandescent, halogen, fluorescent and high intensity discharge lights. In an embodiment of the invention, at least onemirror32 can be operatively positioned within thehousing12 of thelight fixture10 to focus and reflect the light in a preferred direction.

Thesensor26 monitors the ambient light levels. Thesensor26 determines whether the transition from day to night has occurred. When thesensor26 determines that the light level is lower than a pre-determined light level, for example, dusk, thesensor26 will switch on the solarpowered lighting element20. When thesensor26 determines that the ambient light level is greater or equal to the pre-determined light level, the sensor will switch off the solar powered lighting element.

Thesensor28 simultaneously monitors the light output level of thelighting element20. Thesensor28 determines whether the light output level of thelighting element20 is lower than a minimum light output level. If the light output level of thelighting element20 is lower than the minimum light output level, then the sensor will switch on thelighting element16. However, thelighting element20 will only be switched on if thesensor26 has determined that the ambient light level is lower than a pre-determined light level.

It should be appreciated by those having ordinary skill in the art that additional components may be used to increase the light output level of thelighting element20 as the ambient light level decreases and this modification is intended to be within the scope of the invention as claimed. Further timers or manual switches may also be used to switch on and off the

lighting elements

16,20.

The configuration inFIG. 4 shows that thelight fixture10 can be attached to a pre-existing electrical grid power source for a light fixture to provide a retro-fit light fixture. Thelight element20 in this configuration is integral to thelight fixture10.

As shown inFIGS. 6 and 7, apre-existing light fixture10 can be retro-fit with a solarpowered lighting element20 contained within ahousing30, wherein thesolar panel22 is disposed on atop portion32 of thehousing30 and thelighting element20 is coupled to thebottom portion34 of thehousing30. Thelighting element20, therefore, is positioned within theglobe14. To attach thehousing30 to thepre-existing light fixture10, a hole can be drilled through thehousing12 of thelight fixture10 and thetop portion32 of thehousing30 is disposed on top of thehousing12 of thelight fixture10 and over hole. In a configuration of the invention, onepre-existing light fixture10 can includemultiple housings30 having thelighting element20 andsolar panel22. It should be appreciated by those having ordinary skill that thehousing30 can further include certain other components for powering thelighting element20 disclosed herein, including but not limited to arechargeable battery24,

sensors

26,28 andcontroller21. As shown inFIG. 7, at least one additionalsolar panel22 can be installed within theglobe14 to collect power from thelighting element16 when illuminated. Further, it should be appreciated that thehousing12 of theoriginal light fixture10 can be removed and replaced with a retro-fittedhousing12 having the solar panel(s)22,lighting element20,battery24,

sensors

26,28 andcontroller21 integrated therein.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of anexemplary control circuit19 for controlling the operation of the various components of an exemplary embodiment of the invention. Thecontrol circuit19 shown inFIG. 8 controls the operation of various components as will be described in more detail below.

Whilecontrol circuit19 contemplates a standard 120 volt AC electricgrid power source18, it should be appreciated by those having ordinary skill in the art that other arrangements that function in substantially the same way may also be employed using either higher or lower voltages, AC or DC, logic levels or the like, as long as the function or functions provided by the circuit ofFIG. 8 are carried out.

As shown inFIG. 8, thelighting element16 is connected to the electricalgrid power source18 while thelighting element20 is connected to thebattery24 which is rechargeable by thesolar panel22. The

lighting elements

16 and20 are both contained within theglobe14.

The ambientlight sensor26 detects ambient light levels and controls switches25 and27. When thesensor26 is in an ambient light level that is below a pre-determined ambient light level, theswitch25 is switched to the on position and power flows from therechargeable battery24 to illuminate thelighting element20. Pre-determined ambient light levels may be, for example, when thesensor26 is in darkness or at dusk light levels.Sensor28 detects the output level of thelighting element20 powered bysolar panel22 and also controls

switches

25 and27. If thebattery24 does not have enough power stored topower lighting element20 to illuminate thelighting element20 to a minimum output level, and if the ambientlight sensor26 determines that the ambient light level is below a pre-determined ambient light level, then switch27 is switched to the on position and power flows from theelectric grid18 to illuminate thelighting element16. Typically, theswitch25 is then switched to the off position. Once the ambientlight sensor26 is no longer below the pre-determined ambient light level,switch25 and/or switch27 are switched to the off position. In one configuration, thebattery24 can be at least partially recharged when thesolar panel22 collects light from thelighting element16. Acharge controller21 is preferably wired between the solar panel(s)22 and thebattery24 to monitor and control the current from the solar panel(s)22 and to shut the power off when thebattery24 is fully charged to prevent over-charging and damage to thebattery24. In one configuration, aresistor23 limits the amount of current directed to thelighting element20 and controls the brightness of thelighting element20. The amount of light produced by thelighting element20 can be increased or decreased by increasing or decreasing the amount of current used to power thelighting element20. An additional solar panel may be added such that one solar panel collects light from the sun light and another solar panel collects light from thelighting element16 when lightingelement16 is illuminated.

Referring toFIGS. 9 and 10, an embodiment of a method of retrofitting a light fixture with a solar powered light is depicted. Generally, according tostep100, the solarpowered lighting element20 is attached to thelight fixture10 that has at least onelighting element16, whichlighting element16 is connected to the electricalgrid power source18. Then, asolar panel22, which is connected to thelighting element20 and therechargeable power source24 collects light according tostep102. Power is generated from the sun light by thesolar panel22 as set forth instep104. Therechargeable power source24 is used to store the power generated by thesolar panel22, as set forth instep106. According to step108, thesensor26 senses the ambient light level and, as set forth instep110, determines whether the ambient light level is lower than a predetermined ambient light level. If the ambient light level is lower than a pre-determined ambient light level, the solarpowered lighting element20 is illuminated as set forth instep114. As set forth instep112, if the ambient light level not lower than a pre-determined ambient light level, the solarpowered lighting element20 then the solarpowered lighting element20 is not illuminated.

According to step116, an output light level of the solarpowered lighting element20 is also sensed by asensor28. As set forth instep118, the sensor determines whether the output light level of the solarpowered lighting element20 is lower than a predetermined minimum output level. If the output light level of the solarpowered lighting element20 is not lower than a predetermined minimum output level, then thelighting element16 connected to the electrical grid power is not illuminated as set forth instep120. If the output light level of the solarpowered lighting element30 is lower than a predetermined minimum output level, and the ambient light level is lower than a pre-determined ambient light level as previously determined instep110, then thelighting element16 connected to theelectrical power grid18 is illuminated.

Although the present invention has been described in terms of particular embodiments, it is not limited to these embodiments. Alternative embodiments, configurations or modifications which will be encompassed by the invention can be made by those skilled in the embodiments, configurations, modifications or equivalents may be included in the spirit and scope of the invention, as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A light assembly comprising:

a light fixture;

an electric grid powered lighting element connected to the light fixture;

a solar powered lighting element connected to the light fixture;

a solar panel coupled to the solar powered lighting element for collecting solar light and for generating power for the solar powered lighting element;

photovoltaic cells coupled to the solar powered lighting element for collecting light from the electric grid powered lighting element and for generating power for the solar powered lighting element;

a rechargeable power source coupled to the solar panel, the photovoltaic cells and the solar powered lighting element for storing the power generated by the solar panel and the photovoltaic cells and powering the solar powered lighting element;

a first sensor for detecting an ambient light level and activating the solar powered lighting element when the ambient light level is below a desired ambient light level; and

a second sensor operatively coupled to the electric grid powered lighting element for detecting output levels of the solar powered lighting element and activating the electric grid powered lighting element when the output level of the solar powered lighting element is below a desired output level.

2. A light assembly ofclaim 1, wherein the first sensor increases the output level of the solar powered lighting element upon a decrease in the ambient light level.

3. The light assembly ofclaim 1, wherein the solar powered lighting element is a LED light.

4. The light assembly ofclaim 1, further comprising mirrors operatively positioned within the light fixture.

5. A light assembly comprising:

a light fixture;

a first lighting element connected to the light fixture and coupled to an electric grid power source;

a second lighting element connected to the light fixture;

a solar panel coupled to the second lighting element, the solar panel disposed to collect at least one of solar light and light from the first lighting element and to generate power for the second lighting element;

a rechargeable power source coupled to the solar panel and the second lighting element, the rechargeable power source disposed to store the power generated by the solar panel for the second lighting element;

a first sensor for activating the second lighting element when an ambient light level is lower than a pre-determined ambient light level; and

a second sensor for activating the first lighting element when the ambient light level is lower than the pre-determined ambient light level and a light output level of the second lighting element is lower than a minimum light output level.

6. The light assembly ofclaim 5, wherein a resistor increases the light output level of the second lighting element as the ambient light level decreases.

7. The light assembly ofclaim 5, wherein the light fixture further comprises a housing, wherein the second lighting element is located within the housing.

8. The light assembly ofclaim 7, wherein the solar panel is mounted to the housing having the second lighting element.

9. The light assembly ofclaim 7, wherein the second lighting element is removeably secured within the housing.

10. The light assembly ofclaim 5, wherein the solar panel is positioned to collect light from the first lighting element for generating power for the second lighting element.

11. The light assembly ofclaim 5, wherein the second lighting element is permanently affixed to the light fixture.

12. The light assembly ofclaim 5, wherein the solar panel collects light from the sun.

13. The light assembly ofclaim 5, wherein the first lighting element is selected from a group consisting of an incandescent light, a fluorescent light, a halogen light, and an LED light.

14. The light assembly ofclaim 5, wherein the second lighting element is a LED light.

15. A method of retrofitting a light fixture with a solar powered light comprising:

attaching a solar powered lighting element to a light fixture, the light fixture having at least one lighting element connected to an electrical grid power source;

collecting light from the at least one lighting element connected to the electrical grid power source with a solar panel coupled to the solar powered lighting element;

generating power from the collected light;

storing the power generated from the collected light with a rechargeable power source;

sensing the ambient light level;

illuminating the solar powered lighting element with the power from the rechargeable power source when an ambient light level is lower than a pre-determined ambient light level;

sensing an output light level of the solar powered lighting element; and

illuminating the at least one lighting element connected to the electrical grid power source when the ambient light level is lower than the pre-determined ambient light level and when the solar powered lighting element output light level is lower than a pre-determined minimum output level.

16. The method ofclaim 15 further comprising switching off the solar powered lighting element when the ambient light is equal to or greater than the pre-determined ambient light level.

17. The method ofclaim 15 further comprising switching off the illuminated at least one lighting element connected to an electrical grid power source when the ambient light level is equal to or greater than the pre-determined ambient light level.

18. A light assembly comprising:

a light fixture;

an electric grid powered lighting element connected to the light fixture;

a solar powered lighting element connected to the light fixture;

a solar panel coupled to the solar powered lighting element for collecting at least one of solar light and light from the electric grid powered lighting element and generating power for the solar powered lighting element;

a rechargeable power source coupled to the solar panel and the solar powered lighting element for storing the power generated by the solar panel and powering the solar powered lighting element;

a second sensor operatively coupled to the electric grid powered lighting element for detecting output levels of the solar powered lighting element and for activating the electric grid powered lighting element when the output level of the solar powered lighting element is below a desired output level.